This was the first time a tried a product like this and I really liked it! I thought it really helped set the color and kept the eyeshadow from creasing.
Marc Anthony - Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment:
This smelled soooo good! And it really helped smooth down my frizzy hair without weighing it down too much. It also gave my hair a great shine
Hikari Cosmetics - Lip Gloss in "Merlot":
LOVED this color! It's a deep red, which I don't own, so I was really excited to try this color out. I don't wear lipstick on a daily basis but this one would be really pretty for a date night. I liked that it didn't dry out my lips and the color was very pigmented.
Glamour Dolls - Eyeshadow in "Sorcery":
I thought this color was really pretty and had a nice shimmer to it. I really like brown eyeshadows on me, but I have gotten 2 other brown eyeshadows from Ipsy already so I think it would be fun to try another color.
Trust Fund Beauty - Nail Polish in "Elegantly Wasted":
I actually already owned a color very similar to this one, so I obviously liked the color. lol! I did have to do 3 coats on my nails for it to not be so sheer though so that was a bummer.
So, all in all, I got a great Ipsy bag this month! I was really happy with the variety of products I got to try. Good job Ipsy!! If you would like to try Ipsy, then feel free to click my referral link to get started. Thank you in advance if you do!
I also cancelled my Birchbox subscription. I just didn't feel like I was enjoying it as much as the Ipsy, and I also kept getting the same type of products over and over again.
Cover Girl Outlast Stay Luminous Natural Glow Foundation - Buff Beige: The color they sent me was perfect for my skintone. It didn't feel heavy on my skin and it was slightly sheer, which is nice for the summer. I don't wear foundation often but I really like this product.
Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition Bar- Lemon Swirl: I'm not a a huge fan of lemon flavored bars but otherwise this wasn't bad at all. It wasn't super dry like I was expecting and not too terribly sweet.
Cover Girl Outland Longwear + Moisture - Vixen Violet: I was really surprised with how pigmented this lipcolor was. I saw the purple color and thought it was going to be really sheer but it wasn't. It stayed on really well and didn't dry my lips out either. Not sure how I feel about the color (because I'm such a "plain jane") but it could be fun to mix things up.
Urgent RX: I actually haven't gotten a chance to try this out yet, but it is a powder that you pour straight in your mouth and it helps relieve aches & pains (it contains aspirin and caffeine). I got the lemon lime flavor. I may get a chance to use this later in the week because it is "headache week" for me. I will update my thoughts after that.
Neutrogena Hand Creme: They weren't kidding when they said "just a dad goes a long way". Super moisturizing, but maybe a bit much for the hot summer months. This would probably be better for me in the winter months when my skin is super dry. It's very thick and leaves my skin feeling kind of greasy afterwards.
Sahale Snacks - Cashews with Pomegranate + Vanilla: I really liked these a lot! They made for a great snack for my Netflix binge watching. lol! The pomegranate was was sweet and just a little tart but it went really well with the cashews
Indeed Nanoblur: Honestly, I didn't really notice a difference with this one. I was really excited to give it a try because it's supposed to reduce the appearance of large pores and fine lines but I didn't see a difference
**I received these free products through Influenster for testing purposes and in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
(**This post is powered by Brandbacker; I received a free sample for review, however all opinions are my own**)
Today I am really excited to tell you about Zakia's Morocco: MOROCCAN GHASSOUL CLAY MASK POWDER. I have been trying to find new products that I love and this one is a new must have on my list. I liked this much better than the last face mask I tried. This one comes in powder form but they include super easy directions with it. All you have to really do is add some water and mix to a consistency of thin cookie dough.
It went on super smooth and didn't sting or burn like the last one either. It tingled a little as it dried, but that just could have been the feeling of it drying against my skin. I have very sensitive skin and this didn't leave my skin red at all! I used it right before bed and when I woke up and looked in the mirror, my skin looked like it had a great glow to it. Even my husband noticed! It seemed to help a lot with my blackheads and really toned out my skin. It doesn't have much of a smell, which I really like. I'm very sensitive about smells.
Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Mask - A weekly mask with natural and organic clay from deep inside the Ancient Atlas Mountains of Morocco are the perfect skin treatment for cleaning, detoxifying, toning and rejuvenating. A facial mask treatment made from Ghassoul clay can be relaxing and give your skin a new healthy glow. Ghassoul clay's most impressive properties in skin improvement are its capacity of absorption and adsorption due to its high level of ion exchange. Ghassoul is a mineral rich, light brown clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. Use on skin and hair - it even makes for a fabulous shampoo; mix a small amount of powder in your favorite shampoo - wash and rinse. Super cleansing!
These are the features as listed from their site: PURE AND NATURAL - This exquisite all natural and organic detoxifying clay is unique in its composition, quality and purity; It is meticulously selected from ancient mineral-rich deposits, found deep within the fertile Atlas Mountains, and contains 100% pure Ghassoul
FAST ACTING - Simply mix with a little water to create a smooth creamy texture, then glide effortlessly over your face, neck and hair as desired; Within seconds, you will feel a gentle tightening, as the intense detoxification begins to absorb impurities and harmful substances, cleansing
STUNNING RESULTS - You can expect a buttery soft, smooth and toned skin complexion, free from dryness, blemishes, blackheads and blocked pores; Your hair will feel light, manageable and conditioned, with curls defined and frizz controlled; Eczema, psoriasis, and acne are treated and calmed without stripping your skin of essential natural oils
MULTI-PURPOSE - Our Spa grade Ghassoul Clay is a versatile and multi-purpose daily cleanser that can also be used as a detoxifying face mask, skin conditioner and hair restoration treatment; It delivers one of the world's most powerful deep pore facials WITHOUT harsh chemicals, and can be applied daily to even the most dry, flaky and sensitive skin
I did not try the hair mask yet, but I am definitely going to give that a try. Zakia's Morocco is also offering 10 Gift Certificates of $50 each! You can enter below with their giveaway form! BUT if you don't win they are also offering 20% off for my readers with the code: ZMBLOG-201. All orders over $35 have free shipping too!
As much as I would like to pretend that I didn't just turn thirty this past year, I have to face the facts: I'm not getting any younger and neither is my skin. I should have have taken better care of my skin when I was younger but I didn't. One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to try to take better care of myself. I've been exercising more, eating a lot healthier, and I even completely cut soda out of my diet. Now I have to think of my skin too!
I wanted to find a product that was sort of a "multitasker". I didn't want to have to spend a ton of time applying multiple products. Valentia's Even Glow Vitamin C Serum has all of the things I was looking for in a face cream.
EVENS SKIN TONE: Vanquish dark spots and skin discoloration, replacing uneven and ill-textured skin with smooth, wrinkle-free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless. INCREASES GLOW & RADIANCE: Revitalize your skin with essential fatty acids that leave skin smooth and radiant. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well-rested and refreshed look. ABSORBS RAPIDLY: Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather. BOOST COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: The presence of Organic Rosehip Seed oil increases collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. Enjoy smooth and supple skin that takes years off your appearance. REDUCES WRINKLES & FINE LINES: Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of our foundation 20 % Vitamin C. Special ingredients such us Sea Buckthorn oil plump up the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.
I have been using it for almost a week now and I have to say that I am pretty happy with the results. Even after the first time I applied it, I noticed my skin was a lot softer and more radiant. It covers with just the smallest amount of product and doesn't leave an oily residue afterwards. It only took a couple seconds to absorb into my skin and dry. After that you can apply your makeup as you normally would.
I am a person that is very sensitive to smells so I was a little nervous about what the smell would be like, but it was actually a very light, refreshing orange smell.
As for fine lines and wrinkles, I've only noticed a little bit of a difference, but like I said, I've only been using it for a little less than a week. I have noticed slight results around my eyes and forehead already.
I have to admit that I don't know too much about the benefits of natural ingredients but I found this really helpful list on Valentia's website, just in case you are curious about some of the ingredients:
Skin Super Oils
Sea Buckthorn Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil – These oils work in tandem to promote skin hydration and then lock in moisture. When combined with Vitamin C, all three ingredients exist harmoniously to combat free radicals, protecting your skin from future signs of aging to prmote more beautiful, youthful looking skin. Additional Ingredients:
Resistem (Plant Stem Cells)– Protects against stress-related aging while promoting skin detoxification. A French study has demonstrated that Resistem improves dullness of the skin 67% when applied in comparison to a placebo, also reducing skin inflammation by 23% after just two short months. This means that your skin will regenerate more quickly as it is protected against environmental stressors in a gentle, sensitive manner.
Hyaluronic Acid (Botanical) – Allows your skin to retain more moisture than before while simultaneously increasing elasticity and firmness. The Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology conducted a study with 15 female volunteers ages 35 to 65 to demonstrate the effects of Hyaluronic Acid. After only two short months of use, all 15 volunteers showed demonstrated improvement in skin rejuvenation.
Green Tea: The catechins contained in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammrtory, and anti-irritant benefits of this ancient health and beauty secret. Protect your skin and combat wrinkles and uneven skin tone with a natural daily serum. Specifically formulated as a very potent antioxidant treatment for all skin types, a solution to counter the ill effects of environmental stress and aging, our Even Glow Serum can help.
Have you ever tried this product? What's your favorite facial product?
* I recieved a free product of Valentia Even Glow Serum for review from Brandbacker, however all opinions are my own.*
I am a pretty low maintenance girl, so it's not very often that I actually use a lot of product in my hair. But when I do, I have a couple go-to's!
1. Aussie Aussome volume - My hair is really thin, so if I'm planning on doing anything at all with it I have to use this. It adds volume without leaving my hair too crunchy.
2. It's a 10 miracle leave-in PLUS keratin - Let's be honest, I dye my hair A LOT! This product really saved my hair after a really harsh dye left it dry and falling out. Yeah, my hair was actually falling out. So I tearfully went to a hair salon and she gave me this stuff. Life saver!
3. FX Moroccan Moisture argan oil - I use this in my hair when I am going to straighten it. It protects my hair from the heat and adds a really healthy shine. Love it!!
4. Aussie hair insurance - This is the only one that I use every single day. It has a great smell and leaves my hair SUPER soft. Love love LOVE it!!
5. Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine smoothing milk - This one is a life saver on rainy days. My hair frizzes really bad and this is the only thing that calms it down. I also use this one when I straighten my hair to protect against the heat.
What are some of your favorite products that you swear by? Do you use anything every day on your hair?
Warning! These photos contain my face with no makeup whatsoever.... Be afraid... be very afraid!
I have always had problems with large clogged up pores on my nose and cheeks so when I spotted a few DIY face masks on Pinterest I decided to give one a try. I saw this one from Beauty Bets and it seemed really easy and I already had the baking soda and orange juice on hand, so why not?! The baking soda is supposed to fight acne and exfoliate, while the orange juice tightens your pores and brightens your skin.
I'm very happy with the results. I have only done it the one time so I still have some gunky pores but they are no where near as bad and I'm sure if I keep using it that it would really help with that. My face is so soft now and has a great healthy shine.
Here are the easy steps:
Mix 1 tbsp real orange juice with 1 tbsp baking soda. Add more baking soda as needed to thicken mask ( I ended up adding much more than 1tbsp so it was nice and thick)
Spread a thin layer on face.
Leave on for 20 minutes
Dampen finger tips and scrub mask in circular motions for extra exfoliation
Rinse.
Before, during, and after the scrub photos.
It tingles a little when you first put it on and when it dries it gets a bit itchy, so I watched tv to keep my brain busy. They also suggested that you try not to talk while it's one because it will chip and flake off pretty easily.
I put on a moisturizer afterwards because it did make my face feel a little dry. Your face could also have some redness if you have sensitive skin (I didn't have any) but should fade within 20-30 minutes.
So, what do you think? Are you going to give it a try? What are your favorite beauty products/face scrubs?
